Eccleston to quit as Dr Who after one series

Published on 31/03/2005 02:00

THE actor Christopher Eccleston announced last night he was quitting his role as the latest incarnation of Doctor Who after just one series of the newly revived BBC classic.

The star, who has appeared in the television drama Cracker and the hit film Shallow Grave, said he was worried about being typecast. He also said he was planning new projects and found filming the series "gruelling".

Eccleston dropped his bombshell just days after Doctor Who returned to the nation’s screens to critical acclaim.

In a statement issued through the BBC, Eccleston said: "The audience’s response for the new Doctor Who has been incredible and I am really proud to be part of it and I hope viewers continue to enjoy the series."

The BBC said it had commissioned a second series, and that the former pop star Billie Piper will return in the role of the Time Lord’s assistant, Rose.

The corporation confirmed it was in talks with Scot David Tennant, the star of the drama Casanova, which is currently showing on BBC, as a possible replacement for Eccleston.

The BBC is also planning a Doctor Who Christmas special, which will feature Eccleston, following the sci-fi show’s triumphant return on Saturday.

Jane Tranter, BBC head of drama commissioning, said she made the decision on Tuesday.

Before news emerged that the actor had quit, she said: "I think Chris is fantastic as Doctor Who. But we’ve still got another 12 episodes to go. People will have to wait and see what happens."

Dr Who launched its new 13-part run this weekend on BBC1, following a 16-year hiatus.

With 9.9 million viewers, it successfully beat the might of Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

The lead writer on the new Doctor Who series, Russell T Davies, will also write the Christmas special.